Political Parties

The political and governmental situation in Nepal is one of change. The old monarchy has given way to a republic that features a multi-party system. The head of state is a President. Head of government is the Prime Minister who exercises executive power. There are a number of Nepal political parties currently active in the country.

Nepal was an absolute monarchy until 1990 when it faced a people’s movement against the monarchy. As part of efforts to avoid conflicts, the monarchy agreed to a parliamentary monarch. Various members of the public where elected by the people to work with numerous officials chosen by the monarchy – thus ensuring that the wishes of both parties were met. These various groups where to work together for a five year period but the arrangement was ended by the monarchy before this term was up. Ever since then, the Nepal governmental arrangements have tended towards instability and no government has lasted for more than two years. The governments usually dissolve through internal collapse or through parliamentary dissolution by the monarch.

The two earliest landmarks in political party history was most likely that of the first free and fair Nepal elections which were held in 1991 and that of all Nepalese citizens of 18 years and older becoming eligible to vote in the elections. However, despite advancements in the political oversight of the country, there has been little improvement in the lives of the people. A number of conflicts between police and the public have taken place since 1991.

Today there are several Nepal political parties in operation. The majority of currently active political parties in Nepal are listed below.